HB 2157 SEEKS TO LEAVE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED ANIMALS IN THE HANDS OF THEIR ABUSERS There is, once again this year, an attempt to severely weaken the states anti-cruelty statutes and effectively eliminate disposition hearings for animals that have been abused and/or neglected. Currently, state prosecutors can seek a disposition hearing in a timely manner for animals that have been cruelly treated and subsequently seized by law enforcement officials. A judge can order such animals to be surrendered to an animal shelter, veterinarian, or the appropriate animal control authority. This ensures that the animals will not remain in the control of those who have abused or neglected them and expedites their adoption into good homes. HB 2157 would eliminate the disposition process and would leave these poor animals in the hands of their abusers. Please contact your state legislators and ask them to help stop animal abuse and to vote NO on HB2157. ********* ALSO.............. HB 2094 WANTS TO KEEP YOU IN THE DARK ON HOW ANIMALS ARE TREATED Legislation was recently introduced to eliminate the ability to monitor animal welfare issues via the states sunshine law. Missouris sunshine law requires transparency in government and requires that meetings, records, and actions by government be open to the public. Unfortunately, HB 2094 seeks to exempt any issue dealing with animal health or environment protection from Missouris sunshine law. HB 2094 would eliminate the ability to monitor conditions at Missouris puppy mills or at any commercial animal facility; for example, it would prevent access to state inspection reports of commercial dog breeders. Supporters of the legislation blame Missouris sunshine law for the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act which closed many inhumane puppy mills. They argued that public disclosure of the conditions at Missouris puppy mills led to the intense pressure to enact stricter laws. HB 2094 would not only prohibit public disclosure of conditions at puppy mills but at all animal sites in the state and would even exempt disclosures of public health issues such as diseased farm animals intended for food. Especially troublesome, HB 2094 precludes the public disclosure of animal health issues and environmental concerns at factory farms. A co-sponsor of this legislation was quoted in the media as saying that in reference to public information on animals in agriculture, its better kept quiet. This bill, without a doubt, is an attempt to keep the public in the dark about how animals are treated at animal operations across the state. When it comes to animals and the environment, some in the Legislature want to change the states motto to Dont Show Me. Please let your state legislators know that public oversight is extremely valuable in protecting animals from abuse and neglect. Ask them to oppose HB 2094. - MAAL.org
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:21:03 +0000
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